I have two kids who live on the East Coast, and two who live in Arizona, as I do. I was expecting to get together with my Arizona kids for Father's Day, but daughter Jenny invited us to join her for Father's Day in a place she rented for the week, in Malibu, California. She didn't have to twist my arm!

Driving to Malibu

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/15/2018		Page Views: 1,167
Hashtags: #Places #USA #California #Malibu
About our (admittedly, uneventful) drive to Malibu and the beautiful vacation condo we drove to.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (270 words)

Everyone was invited (including Michael and my son, John) but Michael couldn't make it as he had other commitments. Jenny and the babies flew out; my grandson, Zach, chose to drive, as did my son, John. And Keith and I drove as well.

Santa Monica Pier

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/16/2018		Page Views: 1,148
Hashtags: #Places #USA #California #SantaMonica
We explore the California coast, starting with Santa Monica.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (456 words)

I woke before Keith (as usual) and spent several minutes just staring out the window. The previous night I could only see a few distant lights. But in the morning, it was clear that we were, literally right on the beach. But then I wandered into the living room to find two precious grandchildren. (The older precious grandson was also still asleep.)

Dan Blocker Beach

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/17/2018		Page Views: 1,191
Hashtags: #Places #USA #California #Malibu #DanBlockerBeach
A day in the sand in Malibu.
Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s) (587 words)

There were no plans for today. Which was fine; after all, what's the point of renting a beachfront condo if you aren't going to enjoy it? The condo is built on a small point, with a beach to the south and a separate beach to the north.

Paradise Cove

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/18/2018		Page Views: 1,191
Hashtags: #Places #California #Malibu #ParadiseCove
We spend a day at a (perhaps) typical private, commercialized California Beach.
Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s) (701 words)

My daughter, Jenny, in researching a Malibu vacation, noted a private (commercial) beach near her rental, called Paradise Cove. In trying to explain it to Gianna, Jenny mentioned that there would be chairs we could sit on. Well, that reminded Gianna of the rental chairs and umbrellas on the beach at Key West where she has been. So that was it: We had to go to Paradise Cove to sit on the chairs.

Malibu Creek State Park

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/19/2018		Page Views: 1,179
Hashtags: #Places #California #Malibu #MalibuCreekStatePark
A scenic hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (329 words)

Although Malibu kind of faces the ocean with the Santa Monica Mountains its back, that doesn't mean that ocean and beach activities are all it has to offer. Malibu Creek State Park, for example, offers hiking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, and more. So I lobbied hard for an afternoon there.

Adamson House

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/20/2018		Page Views: 2,700
Hashtags: #Places #California #Malibu #AdamsonHouse
In which I visit an historic residence and gardens on the Pacific Coast.
Estimated reading time: 4 minute(s) (828 words)

The story of Malibu cannot be told without telling of the Ringe Family, who did their best to keep it all to themselves. And the Adamson House is all that's left of their vast Malibu legacy.

Beverly Hills, Briefly

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/21/2018		Page Views: 1,216
Hashtags: #Places #California #BeverlyHills
We make a quick photo op stop in Beverly Hills.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s) (179 words)

Today's adventure was supposed to be a sightseeing trip to Beverly Hills. We did go, but didn't see many sights.

Escondido Canyon Waterfalls Trail

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 6/22/2018		Page Views: 1,236
Hashtags: #Places #California #EscondidoCanyon
Keith and I hike past celebrity homes to a hidden waterfall.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (399 words)

This morning Keith awoke (relatively) early so we could go on a hike without the kids. I had discovered the existence of Escondido Canyon Waterfall, and, even though the long-standing drought meant the waterfall wouldn't actually be flowing, I thought the hike itself would make the trip worthwhile.